Nothing beats watching a good linebacking unit. And this year's Jayhawk trio is widely considered to be the best in the league. Part of that is the relative strength, or lack thereof, among the league linebackers. But even in the SEC this would be one of the top units, despite its overall light pigmentation. All three are seniors and not only started all of last year (in position), but also started in 2006 as well, when they went through a few growing pains (see: Bowman, Adarius). But all of that is now in the past and these three are back to anchor a defense that returns 9 starters and, more importantly, 20 of 22 on the two deep.
In the middle is Crazy Joe Davola (or Mortensen) and he is out to do one thing; put the kibosh on you. It matters not who you are. Seriously though, he probably wants to kill you. In fact, after football he wants to join the Marines. To kill people. This is exactly the type of mindset I want from a guy anchoring the middle of my team's defense. And as long as he is really fully recovered from his off-season knee surgery, that's probably all I need to say about him.
Next up is his slapping-mate, Mike Rivera. For those of you unfamiliar, Davola and Rivera like to get ready for the game (and the second half) by slapping each other repeatedly across the face. Again, I like this. And this is what makes good linebackers fun to watch. Whereas Joe is the perfectly suited for the middle, Rivera is absolutely perfect for the outside. Not only is he huge (and also a bit nuts), the guy can fly. When he gets going downhill, get the fuck out of the way. Unfortunately, I don't think he's the brightest, because there are quite a few times where he simply doesn't do what he's supposed to. When he does, though, the results are quite favorable. (Note: There is something we may need to watch for early on though as he did suffer a minor injury to his knee over the weekend, but it's said to only keep him out two weeks. I'd be surprised if Mangino ever acknowledges it publicly.)
The third of this tripod is James Holt. As you can tell from just his size (6'3" 222), Holt is relied on more for speed than power. But despite the fact that he's probably more suited to be a big safety, Holt is a tremendous linebacker, because he always gets to the ball. This can be attributed to both his speed and his ability to read the offense, along with being assignment sound. Whatever the reason, he found his way there to the tune of 99 tackles (51 S, 48 A, 13.5 FL) and a couple sacks. We have no reason to expect anything but more of the same from him this year.
Aside from the three starters, there is actually some pretty good depth at linebacker as well. I would count on seeing plenty of Arist Wright, *EDIT: Justin Springer,** Drew Dudley, Dakota Lewis and Jake Schermer. Most likely in that order. But all can play a good linebacker and if it were not for the three in front of them would be seen as legitimate starters (Schermer aside).
All in all, this is a definite strength of the team, if not THE strength. All three are seniors. All three are talented. And all three know that for the defense to be successful they have to fly around the field and knock some people the fuck out. Personally, I can't wait to watch them do exactly that.
P.S. Here are a couple links of interest...
Apparently last season's success has inspired some new band interest at KU. Splendid!
Secondly, Dan Steinberg has spotted Judo's version of the Big Man over in Beijing.
And lastly, are you kidding me?!
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8 comments:
With the increased number of band members, you will have a plethora of asses to slap and subsequently get the police called to our tailgating area again. joy
and painters website looks like it was done by a 10-year-old
"But even in the SEC this would be one of the top units, despite its overall light pigmentation."
Racism makes us all look bad, man.
Plus, I mean... Laurinaitis won the Butkus last year. In fact, going back, you can find a white guy for every black guy - before Laurinaitis it was:
Willis
Posluszny
D. Johnson
Lehman
EJ Henderson
Rocky Calmus
Dan Morgan
They practically alternate.
"I would count on seeing plenty of Arist Wright, Drew Dudley, Dakota Lewis and Jake Schermer. Most likely in that order."
Also this neglects Justin Springer, who by most reports is the best backup we've got.
When you play at the "Cradle of Quarterbacks" you don't need a good website...
Good point about Springer...Dakota Lewis will never see the field at linebacker but will contribute on special teams. Unless they're counting on Holt to cover, I would also expect to see hybrid guys - Tang Bacheyie, Olaitan Oguntodu - due to the spread offense. If will interesting to see which backer goes out if we are nickel the entire game (see TTech game)...I hate seeing one of the starting three on the sidelines. I really haven't heard anything about it, but I think Phillip Strozier is our best bet for Nickel, throw Isiah Barfield in for dime package
@ MBG point 1 - Take it easy, it was just a jackassed joke and in no way meant in a racist way.
But as to Laurinaitis, I don't think there has been a more overrated player since Katzenmoyer.
Point 2 - You are correct, sir. A huge oversight on my part and I definitely expect him to be playing quite a bit as well. From what I know Arist Wright will still likely be ahead of him, but he would certainly be next "in line."
Racism?...Racism? We talkin' 'bout racism?
James Holt makes Wayne Brady look like Malcolm X
If we were doing an article for SI we would leave out a weak reference towards skin color, but what the hell, we aren't racist and sometimes(GASP!) it is alright to not be overly sensitive and speak of ethnicity. I mean come on, I bet you loved the Chappelle Show, but that was OK because he was black.
Hiphop should be shat on for leaving out Springer though, for shame!
Ok, ok, panties officially untwisted.
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